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Show Volume VI, Issue III THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 21 May 15, 2002 Lamb Canyon Gravel Source Development Construction The Purpose of this Scoping Document This document is to inform you that the Ogden Ranger District is initiating an environmental analysis to assess the feasibility of developing an administrative use gravel source located in the NE 1/4, NW1/4, Section 1, T.9N., R4E., SLM., Cache County, Utah (Vicinity Map attached). We would like to hear of your comments, concerns, and suggestions regarding this proposed use at this site on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Ogden Ranger District. What is Being Proposed? The proposal is to develop a 1/2 to 1-acre site that would furnish gravel suitable for replacing surfacing on existing Forest Service road system located on National Forest lands in the Curtis Ridge and Monte Cristo areas. Access to the development site is along existing Forest Service Road # 216. The site would be used for administrative use only. Extraction of rock from this source would occur during the summer season. Why are we proposing this project? Roads in the Monte Cristo— Curtis Ridge Area are being utilized by an increasing number of forest users for recreational and other purposes. Existing roads are native surface and are susceptible to rutting and erosion. These native surfaces have been heavily worn over the years and supplemental rock surfacing has been applied to provide a maintainable and workable road surface to control erosion, facilitate drainage, and maintain safe travel access. Ongoing wear from this traffic creates a need to replace surfacing to facilitate safe travel for most high clearance type vehicles, OHV’s where authorized, and occasional use by sedans. Providing a rock source near to these roads helps to reduce the high cost of rock hauling from outside sources. Rock sources used in the past are becoming depleted as suitable and economical sources. Our objective is to provide roads that have surfacing suitable for extended seasons of use. (Utah hunting seasons often occur during periods of inclement weather.) Preliminary Issues 1. Any adverse effects to the on site environment on site and the surrounding area (water quality, wildlife, vegetation, scenery). 2. The effects upon adjacent landowners. (Section 36 directly to the north is a state land section. Other private and state lands are within ¼ mile to the east and west.) What is the Decision to be made? As a result of the analysis, a decision will be made whether or not to authorize the use of this National Forest site for the proposed purpose. If yes, the decision will include: • Methods for further site tests to determine the boundaries of suitable rock to be used. • Site development plans to determine the best ways to develop and access the pit • Determine a storage location for topsoil that will be used for reclamation. • Development of a reclamation and site management plan.. • Associated measures to mitigate environmental impacts. Who will make the Decision? The Ogden Ranger District Ranger, Ruth Monahan, is the official responsible for making the decision whether or not to authorize the proposed use, and if so, at what level. The decision would be implemented during the summer of 2002. We want to hear from you . . . We welcome any comments, in person, by phone or in the mail. We would like to know whether you have additional issues you believe need to be addressed or specific concerns with the proposal. Specific questions regarding the proposal should be directed to Loren Jepsen, Roads Manager, at (801) 625-5112; FAX (801) 625-5914; or email ljepsen@fs.fed.us. A comment form is provided to ease responding, but feel free to use any format you prefer. Submissions you make and identifiers therein will be available for public review, and may be released in their entirety if requested pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. When do we need your Response? To be most useful, we would appreciate receiving your comments by May 24, 2002. You may call or respond in writing. Comments should be directed to: Ruth Monahan District Ranger Ogden Ranger District 507 25th Street, Suite 103 Ogden, UT 84401 (801) 625-5112 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibitions bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information should contact the USDA Office of Communications at (202) 720-2791 (voice) or (800) 8551234 (TDD). To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250 or call (800) 245-6340 (voice) or (800) 8551234 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer. |